Steam generator

ABSTRACT

A portable steam generating apparatus adapted especially for use in cleaning automobile radiators and the like has a conduit system in communication with the interior of a pressure tank by way of a single opening therein and includes, in addition to a first assembly for introducing water into the tank, a second assembly for receiving steam generated in the tank by a heating element therein and directing the steam to a point of usage proximal and outlet end of the conduit system. Provision for the introduction of pressurized air into the conduit system, as well as provision for the dispensing of a cleaning compound thereinto for mixture with the steam and air is provided in flow communication with the second conduit assembly; and a third assembly of the conduit system interconnects the first and second assemblies such that water might be routed directly to the second assembly of the conduit system thus bypassing the pressure tank. Suitable control valves are incorporated with the conduit system and the air line to control the flow and mixture of any of the elements through the various conduit assemblies.

Unlted States Patent 1191 1111 3,910,498

Harrison Oct. 7, 1975 STEAM GENERATOR [57] ABSTRACT [75] Inventor: Taylor H. Harrison, Kansas City, A portable steam generating apparatus adapted espe- M cially for use in cleaning automobile radiators and the [73] Assignee: Frank Harrison, Kansas City, Mo i h a condult System m with i interior of a pressure tank by way of a single opening [22] Filed: Dec. 13, 1974 therein and includes, in addition to a first assembly for [21] APPL Noz 532,361 introducing water into the tank, a second assembly for receiving steam generated in the tank by a heating element therein and directing the steam to a point of [52] C 239/1 222/146 H 239/310 usage proximal and outlet end of the conduit system.

[51] Int. Cl. B05B 1/24 Provision for the introduction of pressurized air into [58] Field of Search 239/8, 128, 135, 136, 137, the conduit system, as well as provision for the dis- 239/138, 302, 303, 310; 222/146 HE pensing of a cleaning compound thereinto for mixture with the steam and air is provided in flow communica- References Cited tion with the second conduit assembly; and a third as- UNITED STATES PATENTS sembly of the conduit system interconnects the first 2,638,383 5/1953 Hall 239/137 and Second assemblies Such that Water might be 2,861,838 11/1958 Wyatt et al. 239/137 routed directly to the second assembly of the conduit 3,811,414 5 1974 Minton 239/136 x System thus bypassing the Pressure tank- Suitable Primary Examiner-Lloyd L. King Assistant Examiner-Michael Mar Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Schmidt, Johnson, Hovey & Williams /0.2 6 as w trol valves are incorporated with the conduit system and the air line to control the flow and mixture of any of the elements through the various conduit assemblies.

8 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures 42 4a t-\J I06 US. Patent Oct. 7,1975

ii 41 56 w /02 ,35 9

Fig. 4

STEAM GENERATOR This invention relates to a steam generating apparatus having application primarily in connection with the cleaning and back-flushing of automobile radiators or the like.

It is, therefore, a very important object of my invention to provide a steam cleaning apparatus that is adaptable for easily and efficiently cleaning both the interior and exterior portions of an automobile radia tor.

A further important object of my invention is to provide a steam cleaning apparatus having a conduit system into which a cleaning compound may be introduced for mixture with the steam and in which the conduit system is capable of receiving water and pressurized air for discharge therethrough individually or in combination with or without steam.

Yet another important object of the instant invention is to provide a steam cleaning apparatus thay may be.

directly coupled to an automobile radiator or may be provided with a selectively actuatable discharge gun for normal spray cleaning purposes.

As a corollary to the foregoing object it is a still further important object of my invention to provide a portable steam generating apparatus, adapted especially for use in cleaning clogged automobile radiators, cylinder blocks and heaters in one operation without their removal from the car.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a steam cleaning apparatus that is not only capable of discharging steam, water, air or any combination thereof, but is also portable and readily capable of being coupled with conventional sources of water and pressurized air.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the steam generator made pursuant to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the steam generator;

FIG. 3 is a vertical view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 with a pressure tank and a housing therefor being shown in section; and

FIG. 4 is a top'plan view of the apparatus with the housing surrounding the pressure tank of the apparatus being shown in section.

A cleaning apparatus, generally designated by the numeral 10, is comprised essentially of a pressure tank 12., an electric heating element 14 disposed in the tank 12 and a system of conduits generally identified by the numeral 16 in communication with the interior 18 of the tank 12 for the introduction of water thereinto and the discharging of steam therefrom. A housing 20 encompasses the upright tank 12 and includes an upright body 22 defining the four sides of the housing 20 and to which a wheel and axle assembly 24 is affixed near the bottom thereof for purposes of making the apparatus portable. A top panel 26 covers the top of the pressure tank 12 and a handle 28 is suitably secured to the body 22 and top panel 26 to aid in shifting the apparatus 10 from one location to another.

The elongated, cylindrical pressure tank 12 is provided with an aperture 30 at its lower end in which the heating element 14 is received and secured such that a pair of heating rods 32 are joined together at their upper ends, extend upwardly into the tank 12. A threaded fitting 34 secures the heating element 14 to a lower wall 36 of the pressure tank 12 with an electrical power transmitting line 38 extending from the element 14 for coupling with a source of electrical power. A low-medium-high temperature control 40 is mounted near the top of a front panel 42 of the body 22 and is operably coupled with the heating element 14 for the purpose of controlling the temperature to which the water in the prssure tank 12 is heated by the heating el ement 14. It is to be understood that while the embodiment herein shown discloses the use of the electrical heating element 14, other sources of heat might well be adapted for use with the pressure tank 12.

Communication of the conduit system 16 with the interior 18 of the pressure tank 12 is accomplished by threadably engaging an upright length 44 of the conduit system 16 with an opening 46 in a top wall 48 of the pressure tank 12. It is to be understood at this point that the conduit system 16 may be conventionally constructed of any type of suitable fittings and tubing, such as galvanized pipe, copper or the like. Coupled with the length 44, at its end opposite the wall 48, is a cross 50 from which a pair of conduit assemblies 52 and 54 extend, the first assembly 52 defining a conduit for the discharge of the steam from the pressure tank 12, and the second assembly 54 defining a conduit for the introduction of water into the pressure tank 12. Extending upwardly from the cross 50 is a safety pop-off valve 56 that protrudes through an opening in the top panel 26 of the housing 20. The pop-off valve 56 includes a pipe assembly 58 for directing away from the valve any steam or water that exits therethrough because of above normal working pressure.

Making up the conduit assembly 54 for the introduction of water into the tank 12 are a series of pipe lengths 60, 62 and 64 coupled to the cross 50 by way of a street elbow 66 interconnecting the length 64 with the cross 50. Interposed between the lengths 62 and 64 is a manually manipulatable control valve 68 and affixed to the free end of the length 60 is a coupling 70 for attachment to a water supply line (not shown).

The conduit assembly 52 is similarly comprised of pipe lengths 72, 74 and 76, the length 76 being interconnected with the cross 50 by way of a second street elbow 66. A second control valve 68 is interposed between the lengths 74 and 76 and a cross 78 interconnects the lengths 72 and 74. The conduit assemblies 52 and 54 are interconnected in flow communication with one another by a third conduit assembly 80 having a third manipulatable control valve 68. A T-fitting 82 interposed in the conduit assembly 54 between the lengths 60 and 62 places the third conduit assembly 80 in communication therewith, and an elbow 84 serves to link the third conduit assembly 80 with the conduit assembly 52. The third conduit assembly 80 is further comprised of the usual street elbows 66 and necessary miscellaneous pipe lengths needed for completing the circuit between the two conduit assemblies 52 and 54.

Provision for introducing a pressurized airstream into the conduit assembly 52 is accomplished by providing a flexible air line 86 coupled with a source of pressurized air (not shown) at one end and interconnected with the conduit assembly 52 at the cross 78 by means of an airflow control device or valve 88.

Coupled to the cross 78 and extending therefrom to a direction opposite that of the air line assembly 86 and lateral to the lengths 72 and 74 is a discharge line 90, having suitable fittings, which terminates in flow communication with a cleaning compound dispenser 92 attached to a rear panel 94 of the body 22. A second discharge line 96, also having suitable fittings, leads from the dispenser 92 and terminates in connection with a flexible hose 98 having a trigger-actuated nozzle gun 100 at its distal end that may be suitably carried by carrier brackets affixed to the housing 20 when not in use. It is to be understood that the lines 90 and 96, along with the hose 98 and the nozzle gun 100, also are considered to be part of the conduit assembly 52.

A pressure gauge 102 is suitable plumbed into the cross 50 and extends above the top wall 26 of the housing 20 while provision for determining the amount of water in the pressure tank 12 is provided through the use of a conventional sight-glass assembly 104 located exteriorly of the front panel 42 of the housing 20 and in communication with the interior 18 of the pressure tank 12 by way of a pair of valves 106.

In use, the apparatus is wheeled to its use location and the conduit assembly 54 is coupled with a water supply, as indicated by the arrow 108, and the valve 68 is opened thereby permitting the tank 12 to be filled with water to a desired level. Presuming that the clean ing apparatus 10 is to be used as a steam cleaner, the water inlet control valve 68 is closed, as is the valve 68 in the conduit assembly 52, whereupon the temperature control switch 40 is turned on to cause the heating element 14 to heat the water to a preselected temperature for creating a supply of steam in the pressure tank 12.

Once the desired temperature has been reached and a supply of steam is available, the valve 68 in the discharge conduit assembly 52 is opened to permit the remainder of the conduit assembly 52 to fill with steam and thence be available for discharge via the lines 90, 96, 98 and the nozzle 100. It is to be understood that the valve 68 in the bypass or third conduit assembly 80 and the airflow valve 88 are both closed during the time that the apparatus 10 is used as a steam cleaner.

The apparatus 10 may also be used as a radiatorflushing or water-spraying unit by closing the valve 68 in the water inlet conduit assembly 54, opening the valve 68 in the bypass conduit assembly 80, and closing the control valve 68 in the steam discharge conduit assembly 52. Additional pressure may be given to the water by opening the airflow control valve 88 to admit air to the discharge conduit assembly 52 from a source of pressurized air represented by the arrow 110.

In the event that the apparatus 10 is to be used as a drying unit, as for example in drying an automobile radiator after it has been cleaned and prior to any welding rapair or soldering thereon, it is but a simple matter to close the valves 68 in each of the conduit assemblies 52, 54 and 80 and merely open the valve 88 for the discharge of a stream of pressurized air through the nozzle gun 100. Of course it is to be understood that other combinations or mixtures of air, water and/or steam can be accomplished by proper manipulation of the valves 68 and 88.

In addition to the capability of discharging water, air and/or steam, the interposing of the cleaning compound dispenser 92 between the discharge lines 90 and 96 also permits the admixture of a suitable cleaning compound into the stream of air, steam or water to enhance the cleaning capabilities of the apparatus, it being here further understood that the'dispenser 92 has suitable metering capability for controlling the strength of the solution being discharged.

Thus, there has herein been disclosed a unique cleaning apparatus that is completely versatile and readily adaptable to numerous cleaning situations by virtue of its capability of supplying either a stream 'of steam,

water and/or pressurized air, along with a cleaning compound, and does so as a single unit that is portable and readily transportable to a point of usage.

While the embodiment herein shown and described illustrates a delivery hose having a dispensing nozzle incorporated therewith, it is also to be understood that the hose 98 may be coupled directly to a port of an automobile radiator and the steam, water, air or any combination thereof then readily discharged directly into the radiator. This is especially desirable inasmuch as a complete radiator flushing and cleaning operation may be accomplished without removal of the radiator from the automobile which otherwise would be a relatively time-consuming and unnecessarily expensive operation considering all of the hoses and other fastenings which must be disconnected in such a process.

When the cleaning apparatus is used in this manner, the proper flow of water or solution through the radiator, cylinder block and heater is obtained by removing the drain cock from the bottom of the radiator, attaching the steam hose directly to the radiator and placing the machine into operation. When so using, it is recommended that a 4 to 7 pound pressure cap be used during the cleaning process.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. A cleaning apparatus for automobile radiators and the like, said apparatus comprising:

a pressure tank;

means for selectively introducing a quantity of water into said tank;

means for heating said quantity of water in said tank to a sufficient degree to create a supply of steam therein; 4

a conduit assembly in communication with the interior of said tank for receiving steam generated therein and discharging the steam at a point of usage;

an air line interconnecting said conduit assembly in flow communication with a source of pressurized air, said air line being coupled with said conduit assembly at a juncture intermediate an inlet end and an outlet end thereof;

a first control valve interposed in said conduit assembly upstream from said juncture for selectively controlling the discharge of steam from said tank; and

an airflow control device interposed in said air line for selectively controlling the introduction of pressurized air into said conduit assembly whereby either steam or pressurized air or a combination of steam and air may be discharged from said conduit assembly at a point of usage.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is provided dispensing means having a supply of cleaning compound coupled in flow communication with said conduit assembly whereby a cleaning compound may be introduced into said conduit assembly for admixture with the elements therein prior to discharge therefrom.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is provided a second conduit assembly in communication with the interior of said tank, said second conduit assembly being adapted for connection to a source of water, there being a second control valve interposed in said second conduit assembly intermediate an inlet end and an outlet end thereof for selectively controlling the flow of water into said tank, there further being a third conduit assembly having a third control valve operably coupled therewith interconnecting said first conduit assembly in flow communication with said second conduit assembly for selectively bypassing said pressure tank to permit water to flow directly into said first conduit assembly from said second conduit assembly.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said third conduit assembly is interconnected with said second conduit assembly of a juncture intermediate the inlet end thereof and said second flow control valve.

5. A cleaning apparatus for automobile radiators and the like, said apparatus comprising:

a pressure tank having a heat source operable associated therewith;

a conduit system in communication with the interior of said tank, said conduit system having an inlet end couplable with a supply of water for introducing a quantity of the same into said pressure tank and an outlet end for discharging steam at a point of usage upon the conversion of water in said pressure tank to steam by said heat source,

said conduit system including a first conduit assembly having a control valve for selectively controlling the discharge of steam from said pressure tank, a second conduit assembly having a second control valve for selectively controlling the introduction of water into said pressure tank and a third Conduit assembly interconnecting said first and second conduit assemblies and having a third control valve interposed therein in a manner to selectively bypass said pressure tank for diverting a supply of water directly to said first conduit assembly; and

and air line interconnecting said first conduit assembly in flow communication with a source of pressurized air and having a selectively actuatable airflow control device whereby either steam, water, air or any combination thereof may be discharged from said first conduit assembly at a point of usage.

6. An apparatus as claimed in clim 5, wherein there is provided dispensing means having a supply of cleaning compound coupled in flow communication with said first conduit assembly whereby a cleaning compound may be introduced into said first conduit assembly for admixture with the elements therein prior to discharge therefrom.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, said first control valve being located along said first conduit assembly between the juncture of saidair line with said first conduit assembly and the point at which said conduit system is in communication with the interior of said pressure tank, said second control valve being located along said second conduit assembly between the juncture of said third conduit assembly with said second conduit assembly and the point at which said conduit system is in communication with the interior of said tank.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said pressure tank has a single opening at which said conduit system is secured to said pressure tank for the introduction of water thereinto and the exiting of steam therefrom. 

1. A cleaning apparatus for automobile radiators and the like, said apparatus comprising: a pressure tank; means for selectively introducing a quantity of water into said tank; means for heating said quantity of water in said tank to a sufficient degree to create a supply of steam therein; a conduit assembly in communication with the interior of said tank for receiving steam generated therein and discharging the steam at a point of usage; an air line interconnecting said conduit assembly in flow communication with a source of pressurized air, said air line being coupled with said conduit assembly at a juncture intermediate an inlet end and an outlet end thereof; a first control valve interposed in said conduit assembly upstream from said juncture for selectively controlling the discharge of steam from said tank; and an airflow control device interposed in said air line for selectively controlling the introduction of pressurized air into said conduit assembly whereby either steam or pressurized air or a combination of steam and air may be discharged from said conduit assembly at a point of usage.
 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is provided dispensing means having a supply of cleaning compound coupled in flow communication with said conduit assembly whereby a cleaning compound may be introduced into said conduit assembly for admixture with the elements therein prior to discharge therefrom.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is provided a second conduit assembly in communication with the interior of said tank, said second conduit assembly being adapted for connection to a source of water, there being a second control valve interposed in said second conduit assembly intermediate an inlet end and an outlet end thereof for selectively controlling the flow of water into said tank, there further being a third conduit assembly having a third control valve operably coupled therewith interconnecting said first conduit assembly in flow communication with said second conduit assembly for selectively bypassing said pressure tank to permit water to flow directly into said first conduit assembly from said second conduit assembly.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said third conduit assembly is interconnected with said second conduit assembly of a juncture intermediate the inlet end thereof and said second flow control valve.
 5. A cleaning apparatus for automobile radiators and the like, said apparatus comprising: a pressure tank havIng a heat source operable associated therewith; a conduit system in communication with the interior of said tank, said conduit system having an inlet end couplable with a supply of water for introducing a quantity of the same into said pressure tank and an outlet end for discharging steam at a point of usage upon the conversion of water in said pressure tank to steam by said heat source, said conduit system including a first conduit assembly having a control valve for selectively controlling the discharge of steam from said pressure tank, a second conduit assembly having a second control valve for selectively controlling the introduction of water into said pressure tank and a third conduit assembly interconnecting said first and second conduit assemblies and having a third control valve interposed therein in a manner to selectively bypass said pressure tank for diverting a supply of water directly to said first conduit assembly; and and air line interconnecting said first conduit assembly in flow communication with a source of pressurized air and having a selectively actuatable airflow control device whereby either steam, water, air or any combination thereof may be discharged from said first conduit assembly at a point of usage.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in clim 5, wherein there is provided dispensing means having a supply of cleaning compound coupled in flow communication with said first conduit assembly whereby a cleaning compound may be introduced into said first conduit assembly for admixture with the elements therein prior to discharge therefrom.
 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, said first control valve being located along said first conduit assembly between the juncture of said air line with said first conduit assembly and the point at which said conduit system is in communication with the interior of said pressure tank, said second control valve being located along said second conduit assembly between the juncture of said third conduit assembly with said second conduit assembly and the point at which said conduit system is in communication with the interior of said tank.
 8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said pressure tank has a single opening at which said conduit system is secured to said pressure tank for the introduction of water thereinto and the exiting of steam therefrom. 